Movable rear wings get OK

The world motor sport council has mandated movable rear wings on Formula 1 cars in 2011 in an attempt to boost overtaking.

Drivers will be able to operate them throughout practice and qualifying, but in races they will only become active after the second lap, and then only when within a second of the car ahead. The driver will then have the option of deploying it to gain a straightline advantage over his rival. When he touches the brakes, it will be deactivated. Many drivers have criticised the plan as being too artificial.

The introduction of the wings will coincide with a ban on any aero device operated by driver movement, which means an end to the F-Duct. The movable front wing, introduced last year in a bid to allow cars to follow each other, is being scrapped.

The minimum weight will rise from 620 to 640kgs in 2011, giving teams more scope to run KERS. The limit was increased from 605kgs for 2010 for that purpose, although the teams agreed among themselves not to use KERS.

The 107 per cent qualifying rule will also be reinstated in 2011.